8 Best Weekend Trips From San Diego You MUST Do!

San Diego is a great place to live, but sometimes you just need to get out and see something else. But getting on a plane and planning a big trip usually involves a bigger budget, more time planning and lots of lost time on a plane.

Why not stay a little closer and explore some places that are just a short drive away? So we are sharing some of our favorite weekend trips from San Diego. Have you been to some of them? Which one is your favorite?

Best Weekend Trips From San Diego

Palm Springs

Palm Springs, the Mecca for Mid-century Modern enthusiasts and desert life lovers, has a lot to offer. This desert oasis will put you in vacation mood right away – perfect for a short weekend getaway from San Diego.

Things to Do in Palm Springs

A desert getaway to Palm Springs can be as relaxing or as adventure-filled as you want it to be. Whether you crave some downtime by the pool, reading, drinking cocktails, dipping your toes in the water, or wanting to go on an off-road adventure through the desert, Palm Springs has it all. Here are our top 5 recommendations of amazing things to do in Palm Springs:

1. Get some aerial views over Palm Springs from the Aerial Tramway
2. Explore the desert flora and fauna
3. Visit the Palm Springs Art Museum
4. Day Trip to Joshua Tree National Park
5. Visit the San Andreas Fault
6. Shopping & Dining
7. Go on a desert hike

Where to Stay in Palm Springs

Palm Springs is famous for its beautiful restored motels and charming hotels. Many of them follow the famous mid-century modern design that Palm Springs is known for. Here are some of our top picks on where to stay in Palm Springs:

Saguaro Palm Springs | Palm Mountain Resort and Spa | Riviera Palm Springs | The Willow Historic Inn | Little Paradise Hotel
Best Boutique Hotels in Palm Springs

Flagstaff

Yes, Flagstaff is more than just a quick sleepover on the way to the Grand Canyon. This lumberjack mountain town has gone through a rebirth and is now full of cute little artsy shops, restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops while also offering a full range of fun outdoorsy activities, including skiing!

Things to do in Flagstaff

I recently spent 3 nights in this cute little Northern Arizona town and was blown away by all the things to do in Flagstaff. Here are some of my favorites (but also read my full article on Amazing things to do in Flagstaff here).

1. Go Skiing at the Arizona Snowbowl (yes, skiing in Arizona!)
2. Explore the cute Downtown
3. Stroll along Route 66
4. Museum of Northern Arizona
5. Visit some stunning National Monuments nearby
6. Go stargazing at the Lowell Observatory
7. EAT – Flagstaff has some amazing restaurants
8. Do the Flagstaff Beer Trail

Where to Stay in Flagstaff

Flagstaff has a variety of options for accommodation, whether you prefer a more quiet nature setting or want to be right in the heart of downtown. They even have some haunted hotels, if you are looking for a spooky experience.

Residence Inn by Marriott | Little America Hotel Flagstaff
Drury Inn & Suites | Starlight Pines Bed & Breakfast

Las Vegas

Las Vegas is the place to go if you want to forget real life for a little while. Whether you are into gambling or shows, food, or quirky things, Las Vegas never gets boring.

Things to Do in Las Vegas

Of course, the big draw to Las Vegas is the gambling. From penny slot machines to private back-room Poker tables, you have a chance to challenge the house everywhere. But there is more to Las Vegas than that.

Las Vegas has some of the world’s best shows and entertainment to offer. From Cirque du Soleil to concerts and broadway musicals, helicopter rides, and day trips to the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas has something to offer for everyone. Take a look at these fun tours in Las Vegas:

Las Vegas Helicopter Night Flight
Grand Canyon Tour with Optional Skywalk Ticket and Hoover Dam
Red Rock Canyon Sunset Horseback Ride and Barbeque
Grand Canyon West Rim Luxury Helicopter Tour

Where to Stay in Las Vegas

Las Vegas has it all You can tour the world during your trip to Vegas. Enjoy the glitzy and glamorous casinos with hundreds of rooms, thousands of slot machines and ample entertainment options, where you’d be entertained for your whole trip without ever stepping outside.

The Venetian | Bellagio | Waldorf Astoria
Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino| Four Seasons
Groupon Deals (starting at $22/night)

Ensenada

Maybe it is because you are crossing a border, but a weekend getaway to Ensenada always feels a little more like a “real” vacation to me. My husband and I love going to Ensenada for the weekend and just hang out in this fun little city.

Things to do in Ensenada

There are so many things to do in Ensenada that you could fill multiple days, if not weeks without getting bored. Here are some of my favorites:

• Visit La Bufadora Blowhole
• Horseback Riding on the Beach
• Go Wine Tasting in Valle de Guadalupe
• Go shopping for trinkets
• EAT (tacos, ceviche, seafood, EVERYTHING)
• Visit Pei Pei Ecotourism Park and enjoy ATV tours, Zip-lining and more
• Enjoy a glass of wine at Santo Tomas Winery, the oldest winery in Mexico
• Go deep-sea fishing

Where to Stay in Ensenada

Read our full post on the best hotels in Ensenada here

Coral & Marina | Hotel Posada El Rey Sol | Torre Lucerna

Los Angeles

If you are like most people in San Diego, you probably avoid going up to LA as much as possible. The traffic sucks, and the city is simply too big. But sometimes, we forget how much Los Angeles has to offer. The nightlife, the museums, the concerts, and the restaurants are out of this world. Maybe we should give our bigger brother to the North a second chance it try to discover it with fresh eyes.

Things to Do in Los Angeles

Most likely, you have already done all the touristy things in Los Angeles, so I am not going to mention them to you. But here are some worth mentioning:

• try some of the best restaurants in the world.
• go shopping on Melrose Ave and in the Fashion District.
• explore Downtown. It has changed so much in the past 10 years.
• visit Olvera Street and China Town.
• go on a food tour.
• find a few museums and exhibits that interest you.
• go on a bike tour in the LA art district.
• go to a show or concert (extra points, if you find one at Hollywood Bowl).

Where to Stay in Los Angeles

Depending on your itinerary, I would suggest to find a place close by to avoid LA traffic as much as possible. Here are some recommendations for Beverly Hills, Downtown, Venice, and Hollywood. And also check out Groupon, they have some really good deals for Hotels in Los Angeles.

Viceroy L’Ermitage Beverly Hills|Chateau Marmont | Freehand
The Kinney Venice | Kimpton Everly Hollywood
Groupon Deals

Borrego Springs

A desert getaway is always a good idea. Borrego Springs is just under 2 hours from San Diego, so it is perfect for a weekend getaway. Grab some apple pie on the way in Julian and you are ready for a fun weekend away.

Things to Do in Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs is the perfect small-town desert weekend getaway from San Diego, especially if you love nature and outdoor adventures, but also appreciate art and culture. Make sure to add dinner at Red Ocotillo – serving traditional diner fare, but at the next level. So good, we went there two nights in a row.

• Wildflower Season
• Art Institute
• Metal Sculptures at Galleta Meadows
• Anza Borrego State Park
• Borrego Desert Jeep Tour
• Desert Hiking
• Borrego Springs Visitor Center and Desert Garden
• Golfing

Where to Stay in Borrego Springs

When we went to Borrego Springs, we stayed in a vacation rental – a really cool Mid-century modern house with a stunning view and really funky decor. It was great, especially since we were three people and also brought our dog along. Check for prices and photos here>>

But there are also some really nice resorts for any budget in Borrego Springs. Here are some of the most highly rated resorts in Borrego Springs:

La Casa Del Zorro Resort | Borrego Springs Resort and Spa
Palm Canyon Hotel And RV Resort | Borrego Valley Inn

Big Bear

Big Bear feels like a different world when you come from San Diego. The view of the mountains, the forest, and the smell of the pine trees make it feel like you are much further away than you actually are.

That is especially true if you go in winter. The famous saying “You can go surfing in the morning and skiing in the afternoon in California” probably talks about San Diego and Big Bear.

Things to Do in Big Bear

Whether you go in summer or winter, Big Bear is always fun. In the winter, winter sports is of course the big draw. From skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiles, or ice skating, Big Bear has it all.

In the summer, hiking, camping, and fishing are very popular, as are any water sports on Big Bear lake. If you like the outdoors, Big Bear is a great weekend trip from San Diego. Here are some fun activities for your time in Big Bear:

Zipline Tour – 9 high-speed ziplines & fun suspension bridge
Private Big Bear Lake Jeep Tour with Light Lunch
Big Bear Village Scavenger Hunt, Walking Tour
Private Hiking Tour to Bluff Lake Reserve

Where to Stay in Big Bear

Hillcrest Lodge | Bluegreen Vacation Big Bear Village
Alpenhorn Bed and Breakfast | Cozy Hollow Lodge

Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California

Vino AND Tacos? If you love both – and let’s be honest, who doesn’t – you need to head south of the border and check out Valle de Guadalupe for some wine tasting. Yes, you will have to cross the border, but it is still only about a 1.5-hour drive from San Diego. This makes Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico the perfect weekend trip from San Diego.

Things to Do in Guadalupe Valley

In the Valle de Guadalupe it is all about wine tasting. There are some incredible wineries, each with its unique style and vibe. Here are some of our favorites:

• Casa Frida
• Villa Montefiori
• Monte Xanic Bodega
• Finca Altozano
• Read the full list here

If you prefer to go on a guided tour, there are also really cool day trips to the Guadeloupe Valley from San Diego. They will pick you up in San Diego, cross the border with you and you don’t have to worry about drinking and driving. Take a look at some Valle de Guadeloupe Wine Tour offers here:

Private Guadalupe Valley Tour from San Diego
Full day Tour Valle De Guadalupe from San Diego
Private Group Tour to Valle de Guadalupe from San Diego

Where to Stay in Guadalupe Valley

There are a few nice places to stay directly in the Guadalupe Valley, but you can also stay in Ensenada or Rosarito. Here are our recommendations:

Our favorite Hotels in Valle de Guadalupe

Torre Lucerna Hotel Ensenada|Estero Beach Resort
Hotel Las Rosas & Spa

Real del Mar Golf Resort & Spa Rosarito|Las Olas Resort & Spa

Temecula

If you want to stay in the US, you can visit Southern California’s largest wine region: Temecula. Located about halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles, it is a great option for a boozy weekend getaway from San Diego.

Also, read these articles on Temecula:
Best Wineries in Temecula
Best Temecula Wine Tasting Tours
Best Winery Hotels in Temecula
Best Things to do in Temecula
Best Temecula Wines To Try
Best Restaurants in Old Town Temecula

Things to do in Temecula

Temecula is a wine region, so the main thing to do here is wine tasting, obviously. Here are some really nice wineries in Temecula:

• Vitagliano Winery
• Akash Winery
• Peltzer Farms Winery
• Wilson Creek Winery

Aside from drinking wine, you should also visit Temecula’s Old Town. You’ll get a fun Western Town feel and find some great bars and restaurants. Try out Devilicious for some great pub food. Afterward, check out their Speakeasy for some delicious cocktails or head to Refuge Brewery for a tasty craft beer flight. If you are into gambling, visit Pechanga Casino.

If you just want to do a day trip from San Diego, take a look at these tours. That way, you don’t have to drink and drive and have fun all day.

Temecula Wine Tasting Tour from San Diego
Sunrise Balloon Flight over Temecula Wineries
Privat Temecula Group Tour in Mercedes Convertible Bus

Where to Stay in Temecula

Temecula offers some really nice accommodation options, whether you want a luxury casino hotel or a boutique winery hotel in Temecula. Here are some of our favorites:

Wilson Creek Manor
South Coast Winery Resort and Spa
Pechanga Resort and Casino

Let’s get going – book your trip to one of these fabulous weekend trips from San Diego. Surprise your partner or your family with a spontaneous getaway that won’t break the bank or take hours to plan, but will relax you just as much as a big trip, if not more.

Best Weekend Trips From San Diego – Pin for Later:

Last Updated on March 7, 2024 by Maria Haase

The post 8 Best Weekend Trips From San Diego You MUST Do! appeared first on San Diego Explorer.